Josephine M. (Montesano) Paladino

Mrs. Josephine M. (Montesano) Paladino, age 98, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at the St. Luke’s Home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on October 12, 1909, Josephine was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Filomena (DiLea) Montesano. She was raised and educated locally. On June 3, 1937 she entered into a union with Rocco A. Paladino with whom she shared 24 years prior to his passing on April 4, 1962. Josephine dedicated over 30 years of her working life as a switchboard operator and receptionist at the Utica Water Board. Blessed with a beautiful and mellow manner of speaking, she was known as “the voice of the water board”. A woman graced with an excellent character, she was independent, loyal, and dedicated in all her endeavors. She possessed great entrepreneurial skills, and during her professional life she could always be counted on to lend a hand to the family business. As a person of grace, style, and sincerity, she truly was ahead of her time. She cared for her family during times of need, and with her helpful nature, she was known to be a bit of a matchmaker. She enjoyed her fashion-shopping trips to New York City, and her nieces and nephews have fond memories of her meticulous cars, which she shared with them on occasion. Josephine's nephews also enjoyed working with her in the summer months. Also memorable were her Sunday dinners, and the long hots she brought to the table. Josephine is survived by her brother, Rocco A. Montesano of Utica; her nieces and nephews and their families: Robert A. and Claire Bonadio, and Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano, all of California, Dorothy Montesano of Utica, Yvonne and Nick Mancini of New Jersey, Betty Lou and John Kessler of Richfield Springs, Nicholas and Kathy Montesano of New Hartford, Rocco, Jr. and Jan Montesano of Glenville, William and Marilyn Montesano of New Hartford, Mary Ellen and Fran McDonough of Clinton, Nancy and John S’Doia of Rochester, and Suzanne Sbarra; her great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws; and her dear friends, Josephine Manze, and Ida Manze of Utica. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Rose M. Bonadio, Lucy and Fred Centolella, Lena A. Montesano, and Grace M. Montesano; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony J. and Elsie L. Montesano, and Dr. Pasquale and Marie Montesano; niece, Rosemarie Bonadio; nephews, Joseph N. Montesano, Nicholas J. Sbarra, Robert Montesano, and Francis J. “Buddy” Montesano; and her sister-in-law, Victoria M. Montesano. The family is grateful to the Barton West staff of the St. Luke’s Home for the care extended to Josephine during her stay. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Josephine’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Josephine M. (Montesano) Paladino

October 12, 1909 - September 14, 2008